January 14, 2026

Agenda:

• Welcome

• Department of Housing and Community Development

• Overview of recommendations to Strengthening Vermont’s Rural Technical Assistance System

• Rep. Sibilia Draft Bill Overview

• Brief draft bill overview

• Caucus Discussion

• Bills in development, Rural priorities, etc.

Minutes:

• Welcome

• Caucus Discussion

  • General Rural Caucus topics of interest:

  • Rural schools / Act 73 of 2025

  • Rural water/wastewater systems

  • Health care / Hospitals / Primary care access

  • Land Use / Act 181 

  • Telecom and solar siting in rural areas 

  • Rural housing / housing finance - Chip and updates on bill passed last year

  • Forest products and manufacturing sector

• Department of Housing and Community Development

  • Overview of recommendations to Strengthening Vermont’s Rural Technical Assistance System

    • Andrew Brown, MPA - Andrew.Brown@uvm.edu

    • Social Science Research Project Specialist, Center for Rural Studies

    • Gary Holloway - Gary.Holloway@vermont.gov

    • Downtown Program Manager, DHCD

    • Chris Cochran - Chris.Cochran@vermont.gov

    • Director, Community Planning and Revitalization, DHCD

  • Presentation & the full report and related resources are available on their website: https://accd.vermont.gov/community-development/current-initiatives/VERTA

Meeting recording available soon.